Paul Danicic, executive director of the Friends of the Boundary Waters, said only 5 percent of Minnesotans know about plans for copper-nickel mines in northeastern Minnesota.

"The issue is too important to be made without everybody participating in it," Danicic said.

Danicic said he's aiming for a respectful, fact-based dialogue.

"Learn about it now, this summer, because there's going to be opportunities throughout the decision-making process for input soon," he said. "It's important for Minnesotans to take the time now to learn the facts."

The other groups involved are Conservation Minnesota and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy.

Several companies are conducting exploratory drilling in northeastern Minnesota. The first company to propose a mine, Polymet, said the long-awaited environmental review for its proposed project near Babbitt will be ready for public comment early in 2013.